Paula Higgins, 45, from Pontypridd: “I’ve already had to change my buying habits as I don’t want to go into debt. With food purchases, where I used to buy the best I now get the next one down. With the level of inflation we’ve reached today it feels like even clothes are becoming a luxury.”

Paul Green, 41, a sub-contractor for Waitrose supermarket from Canton, Cardiff: “Inflation and VAT rises affect everyone, but yet not everyone is getting a pay rise in line with these increases.”